If you are a traveler who is concerned about air quality, it is essential to know the most polluted cities worldwide, where the air may pose health risks. While certain cities in the Americas face air pollution, they are insignificant compared to the high pollution levels found in Asia, especially in India. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdowns decreased vehicle traffic, leading to a notable improvement in air quality, revealing rare sights of the Himalayas from places like Kathmandu. However, this improvement was temporary, and many Indian cities have reverted to their polluted states.
India leads the rankings of the most polluted cities globally, with 83 out of the top 100 cities according to a study based on IQAir data. Another study found that 28 of the top 30 most polluted cities are located in India, with the other two situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Peshawar, Pakistan. The South Asian region, encompassing Pakistan and Bangladesh, presents significant challenges for individuals with respiratory issues. China and Southeast Asia also encounter serious pollution problems, depending on the time of year.
Asia overwhelmingly dominates the air pollution landscape, having 99 of the 100 most polluted cities worldwide, with only Benoni, South Africa, being outside this region. Factors contributing to the pollution include agricultural burning, lenient regulations on factory emissions, an over-reliance on coal, and inefficient vehicle engines. In India, Delhi stands out as the most polluted city, followed by Kolkata and several industrial hubs.
Although Africa and South America may present cities with high pollution levels, a lack of comprehensive air quality data complicates the accurate assessment of their situations. In Africa, one-third of the population does not have access to air quality information, while in Latin America, a considerable amount of data derives from low-cost sensors.
As reported by IQAir, the five cities with the highest pollution levels are:
1. Delhi, India
2. Lahore, Pakistan
3. Dhaka, Bangladesh
4. Karachi, Pakistan
5. Kolkata, India
These urban areas collectively affect more than 80 million individuals, similar to the population of a large nation. Pollution levels can vary, and cities such as Bangkok, Hanoi, and Jakarta may experience severe pollution during specific seasons.
While India often leads pollution reports, the most polluted countries overall include Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Bahrain, with India in fourth place. Despite facing pollution issues, China is a frontrunner in clean energy production, heavily investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power sources.
In the United States, pollution tends to be concentrated in areas with coal-fired power plants and wildfire-impacted regions like California and Oregon. The American Lung Association points out that extreme weather occurrences contribute to rising pollution levels.
For travelers in search of cleaner air, countries such as Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand are known for their excellent air quality. In the U.S., cities like Beloit, WI, and Honolulu, HI, are recognized for their clean air.